Europe, James Reese, 1881-1919

During World War I, Europe enlisted in the armed services as a private, passed an officer's exam and became a lieutenant. As an officer he was assigned to the New York 15th Infantry in Harlem and was told to form a band. On New Year's day, 1918, Europe and the band traveled to France and were assigned combat duty under French command. Europe thus became the first African-American officer to lead combat troops into battle. The New York 15th Infantry was later renamed the 369th Infantry, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Europe with introducing a form of music that later became known as jazz.

After World War I ended Europe returned to the U.S. where he died in 1919 after a backstage altercation with Herbert White, (a drummer in his band) who stabbed him in the neck and severed an artery.

From the description of James Reese Europe collection, 1847-1996 (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 79408776

During World War I, Europe enlisted in the armed services as a private, passed an officer's exam and became a lieutenant. As an officer he was assigned to the New York 15th Infantry in Harlem and was told to form a band. On New Year's day, 1918, Europe and the band traveled to France and were assigned combat duty under French command. Europe thus became the first African-American officer to lead combat troops into battle. The New York 15th Infantry was later renamed the 369th Infantry, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Europe with introducing a form of music that later became known as jazz.

After World War I ended Europe returned to the U.S. where he died in 1919 after a backstage altercation with Herbert White, (a drummer in his band) who stabbed him in the neck and severed an artery.

From the guide to the James Reese Europe collection, 1847-1996, (The New York Public Library. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division.)